Which entrances to Machu Picchu are open all year round?
Machu Picchu offers ten types of entrance tickets. Six of them are available year-round, while only four are valid during the high tourist season: from June 19th to November 2nd. The tickets available during this time of year are those leading to the Inti Punku gate, the Huchuy Picchu mountain, the Inca Bridge, and the Temple of the Moon. Learn more about the tickets to Machu Picchu available during the regular season and the high tourist season.
- Changes to the Machu Picchu visit
- Machu Picchu tickets available year-round
- Machu Picchu tickets available during the high season
- The best ticket according to your preferences
- Tips for your trip to Machu Picchu
- Frequently asked questions
Opening hours of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary
Machu Picchu opens every day of the year, from 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM. Each of the ten tickets has its own schedule, with some offering two time slots, others four, and some even ten. These entry times can start as early as 06:00 AM. The last group enters at 03:00 PM.
Changes to the Machu Picchu visit
- Currently, there are three circuits and ten tickets available to enter the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. New measures and rules are implemented every year to provide better experiences for visitors and also to preserve the Historic Sanctuary.
- The ten entrance tickets remain valid, although their availability will depend on the season of your visit. Officially, during the high season (June 19th to November 2nd), all ten will be available, while during the regular season (November 3rd to June 18th), only six will be available, but these are the most popular ones.
- Each ticket may offer a tour of the Inca citadel, as well as the opportunity to hike to distant structures or surrounding mountains. It is important to note that the tour of the citadel is done through one of the three circuits that segment the Inca city.
- Circuit 1 is known as the panoramic route, as it covers the upper sector of Machu Picchu. Here you will find the Guardian’s House and the upper terrace, where you can enjoy the best views and also take the classic panoramic photo of the Historic Sanctuary.
- Circuit 2 is called the classic route, as it offers the most immersive and complete tour of the main Inca constructions and temples. During the tour, you can visit structures such as: The Sun Temple, the Sacred Plaza, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Mirror of Water Room, the Sacred Fountains, and large agricultural areas.
- Circuit 3, also called the royal route, offers a tour of the lower sector of Machu Picchu, where some of the most important buildings are located. Among the most notable are: The Sun Temple, the Royal Tomb, the Condor Temple, the Inca House, the Sacred Fountains, the Sacred Rock, and agricultural terrace areas. In addition, some tickets also offer the most popular hiking routes.
Machu Picchu tickets available year-round
There are only six types of tickets available year-round, regardless of whether it is the regular season or high season. Discover their main features:
| Machu Picchu tickets available only during the high season | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu Tickets | Included Circuit | Times | Ticket Quantity | Hiking Route | Advance Reservation | Restrictions |
| Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Machu Picchu |
| 350 tickets available year-round (300 online and 50 in-person) | 4 kilometers – 4 hours (round trip) | 3 weeks in advance | Suitable for all ages |
| Upper Terrace Classic Photo Route (1B) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Machu Picchu | Ten time slots, from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM (hourly intervals) | 950 tickets available year-round (850 online and 100 in-person) | None | 1 month in advance | Suitable for all ages |
| Classic Designed Route (2A) | Circuit 2 – Classic Machu Picchu | Ten time slots, from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM (hourly intervals) | 1400 tickets in the regular season (800 online and 600 in-person) 1600 tickets in the high season (1000 online and 600 in-person) | None | 3 months in advance | Suitable for all ages |
| Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B) | Circuit 2 – Classic Machu Picchu | Ten time slots, from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM (hourly intervals) | 500 tickets in the regular season (400 online and 100 in-person) 800 tickets in the high season (700 online and 100 in-person) | None | 3 months in advance | Suitable for all ages |
| Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A) | Circuit 3 – Royal Machu Picchu |
| 400 tickets available year-round (350 online and 50 in-person) | 2 kilometers – 3 hours (round trip) | 2 months in advance | Only for ages 12 and up |
| Royal Designed Lower Temples Route (3B) | Circuit 3 – Royal Machu Picchu | Ten time slots, from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM (hourly intervals) | 900 tickets in the regular season (800 online and 100 in-person) 1200 tickets in the high season (1100 online and 100 in-person) | None | 2 months in advance | Suitable for all ages |
Machu Picchu Tickets Available During the High Season
During the high season at Machu Picchu (June 19th to November 2nd), all ten entrance tickets are available. These may also be available on certain special dates (January 1st, April 2nd to 5th, and December 30th and 31st). Discover the main features of the tickets that are only available on these dates:
| Machu Picchu Tickets Available Only During the High Season | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu Tickets | Included Circuit | Times | Ticket Quantity | Hiking Route | Advance Reservation | Restrictions |
| Inti Punku Gate Route (1C) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Machu Picchu |
| 130 tickets during high season (online only) | 4 kilometers – 2 hours (round trip) | 1 month in advance | Suitable for all ages |
| Inca Bridge Route (1D) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Machu Picchu |
| 80 tickets during high season (online only) | 1 kilometer – 1 hour (round trip) | 1 month in advance | Only for those over 12 years old |
| Temple of the Moon or Great Cave Route (3C) | Circuit 3 – Royal Machu Picchu |
| 50 tickets during high season (online only) | 6 kilometers – 4 hours (round trip) | 1 month in advance | Only for those over 12 years old |
| Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route (3D) | Circuit 3 – Royal Machu Picchu |
| 40 tickets during high season (online only) | 1 kilometer – 1 hour (round trip) | 2 months in advance | Only for those over 12 years old |
The Best Ticket According to Your Preferences
- If I’m looking for a hiking adventure
One of the best hiking adventures in Machu Picchu is the one that takes you to the top of Huayna Picchu. To do this route, you’ll need the Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket (3A). Alternatively, you can opt for the hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain (route 1A). - If I want a family trip
An ideal family hike is the walk to the Inti Punku gate (route 1C), which is short and full of constructions and diverse landscapes. Another alternative is the walk to Machu Picchu Mountain (route 1A), as it is open to people of all ages. - If I’m looking to learn more about Inca history
The routes of the classic circuit (Classic Designed (2A) and Classic Lower Terrace (2B)) are the best option, as they allow you to visit most of the temples and significant structures. An alternative is the Royal Designed Route (3B), which covers the temples in the lower part of Machu Picchu. - If I’m looking for more contact with nature
The trail to the Temple of the Moon (route 3C) is the route where you can enjoy nature the most, exploring the biodiversity of Machu Picchu. Another alternative is the Inca Bridge route (1D), where you can enjoy nature on a short adventure. - If I want scenic views
The most scenic routes are those that ascend to the mountains of the Historic Sanctuary, such as the Huayna Picchu Mountain (route 3A) and Machu Picchu Mountain (route 3A). Alternatively, you can hike up to the Inti Punku gate (route 3C), where there are stunning yet lesser-known landscapes.
Travel Tips for Your Trip to Machu Picchu
- Book your Machu Picchu tickets at least one month in advance. If you want one of the most popular tickets (Classic Circuit or Huayna Picchu Mountain), you should do it up to three months in advance.
- High season tickets are available on the following dates: January 1st, April 2nd to 5th, June 19th to November 2nd, and December 30th and 31st.
- Machu Picchu is located 2,430 meters above sea level, so it is very unlikely that you will experience altitude sickness. However, it is always recommended to acclimate in the city of Cusco during your first days of travel.
- If you did not purchase your Machu Picchu ticket online, you can buy one of the 1,000 daily tickets sold in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). We recommend traveling a day before your visit to secure one of these spots.
- On your trip to this world wonder, always carry a rain poncho, hiking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a small backpack, plenty of water, and some snacks.
- Remember that there are discounts on tickets for minors, undergraduate students, and citizens of the Andean Community of Nations (Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador). Children under 3 years old enter for free.
- With Ticketmachupicchu, you can book your tickets to Machu Picchu up to a year in advance. Check with our advisors for all the available travel packages to have an unforgettable adventure at the Inca citadel.
Questions and Answers
1) Which tickets to Machu Picchu are available year-round?
The tickets available year-round are: Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A), Classic Upper Terrace Photo Route (1B), Classic Designed Route (2A), Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B), Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A), and Royal Designed Lower Temples Route (3B).
2) Which tickets to Machu Picchu are not available year-round?
The tickets for the Inti Punku Gate Route (1C), Inca Bridge Route (1D), Temple of the Moon or Great Cave Route (3C), and Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route (3D) are only available during the high season, from June 19th to November 2nd.
3) What are the high season dates for tourism at Machu Picchu?
The high season for tourism at Machu Picchu is from June 19th to November 2nd. Additionally, high season tickets will be available on January 3rd, April 2nd to 5th, and December 30th and 31st.
4) Is Machu Picchu open year-round? Does it close any day?
Machu Picchu is open for tourist visits year-round. The Inca city never closes except in emergencies such as natural disasters or protests. Its hours of operation are from 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
5) Does the Inca citadel close at any time of the year?
No, the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary is open all year, even on holidays. Only specific routes may be closed for maintenance or heavy rains, but an alternative route will always be offered so you can enjoy your visit.
6) What is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want clear skies and sunnier days, the best time to visit is from April to October. If you prefer to avoid crowds and enjoy greener landscapes due to rain, November to March is a great option.
7) What is the best way to get to Machu Picchu?
It depends on your preferred travel style. Taking the train is the most comfortable and fastest option. The Inca Trail is ideal if you want adventure and a connection with nature. The route through Hidroeléctrica is the cheapest. We can organize any of these options to ensure you have a safe and well-planned trip. Contact our sales advisors to make your Machu Picchu trip unforgettable.
8) What will the experience of visiting Machu Picchu be like in 2026?
The experience of visiting Machu Picchu will continue to improve, becoming more organized, dynamic, and smooth. New circuits, schedules, and visitor capacities allow you to enjoy your visit without crowds while better protecting the historical sanctuary. You’ll have more defined routes, scheduled entry times, and options for different interests, from panoramic views to immersive tours of temples and ceremonial areas.
9) Is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu available year-round?
No, the Inca Trail, which allows entry to Machu Picchu, is available year-round except for February, which is the rainiest month in Machu Picchu and Cusco.
10) Which Machu Picchu ticket is available for visitors of all ages?
The Machu Picchu tickets available for all ages are: Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A), Classic Upper Terrace Photo Route (1B), Inti Punku Gate Route (1C), Classic Designed Route (2A), Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B), and Royal Designed Lower Temples Route (3B).
Advice from people who have been there
By: Martha V.“Impressive“
“Machu Picchu is an impressive experience, I would love to return as there are still many places to discover, like Huayna Picchu. 5 stars from Sao Paulo.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, February 17, 2026




